Category: Chinese Kung Fu

Bajiquan is a Chinese martial art that features explosive, short range power and is famous for its elbow strikes. It originated in Hebei Province of Northern China, but is also well-known in other places as well today, especially Taiwan.

Xingyi Quan or the form and meaning Chuan is also called Xinyi Quan (free-mind Chuan), Xinyi Liuhe Quan (free-mind six-combination Chuan)* or liuhe Quan (six-combination Chuan). There are two propositions about the name of this school of Chuan. One holds that the body actions and movements should be guided by Mind and that this school of Chuan is an identity of mind and body; the other proposition states that this school of exercises are mere imitations of animal actions and movements and adopted the form and meaning of animal movements.

Nan Quan or the southern-style Chuan is widely practised in south China. It evolved during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and has many different styles. Among the famous are the five major styles: the Hong-family, Cat-family, Liu-family, Li-family, and Mo-family Chuan. Dozens of other less-known ones include the five-ancestor Chuan and black tiger Chuan.

Praying Mantis Boxing is one of the Chinese imitative boxing styles. It is said to have been created by Wang Lang, a Shandong native of the Liang Dynasty under Emperor Wu’s rule. Inspired by the praying mantis’ aggressiveness in its stalking of a cicada, Wang Lang created the boxing based on Shaolin Long Boxing and taking a cue from the insect’s quick and agile attacking movements with its front long legs.

Drunken Boxing is a style of boxing that imitates a drunkard in its movements, involving both offensive and defensive skills. The striking features of the boxing are its fast speed and unpredictable changes in beating the opponent. It is also known for its unique appreciating, health-boosting and practical values.